Deanna Dorangrichia of Dorangrichia Ceramics
How would you describe your style?
My style is quiet and minimal. I'm interested in pushing the nuances of subtlety in my work; how much can I explore and accomplish with the least amount of materials or ostentation. Although my functional work is on pause for the moment as I create a new body of work that is sculptural, my minimalist style is still very much present in the new work.
Do you remember the first thing you made?
The first ceramic piece I ever made was while attending art school in Boston. I don't remember the specifics of the piece, but it was definitely clunky, lopsided, and ugly. I made it with pure excitement and joy.
Before I started making I... Worked in corporate offices, colleges, and veterinary hospitals.
If I weren’t a maker, I’d be... Where I was....working at a desk in an office daydreaming about having the guts to let myself be an artist/maker.
Favorite quote or words to live by: “Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing--and keeping the unknown always beyond you.”
If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? I would love to design a house with Toshiko Mori. (my version of "collaboration" might be sitting quietly in the room while they work their architectural magic)
If I could run away, I’d go... Anywhere in Italy with my wife to eat local olives and cheese.
What are you most thankful for? My wife, clay in my hands, the two cats we adopted during the pandemic, and the fava beans growing in our garden.
What would be on your “maker’s soundtrack? Michael Kiwanuka, Le TigreThe Lumineers, A Tribe Called Quest, Sleater Kinney, Alabama Shakes, Future Islands, Nina Simone, J.S. Ondara, Cat Power, Lykke Li, Lizzo, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Etta James, Fiona Apple, Santigold, Louis Armstrong, Otis Redding, Patti Smith, The Stooges, Måneskin, Blondie, Aretha Franklin, MC5, Bikini Kill.
If you could learn a new skill what would it be? Construction, plumbing, and electrical. (After buying our first house 4ys ago, these skills would be very beneficial!)
What’s your favorite movie? Home for the Holidays
Last book you read? When My Brother Was an Aztec by Natalie Diaz
What would your last meal be? Dinner at Zahav in Philadelphia
Favorite Scent? Burning cherry wood in an outdoor firepit.
Favorite Flower or Tree? Peonies
Favorite Artist? Impossible to only choose one, so here are a few: Jennifer Packer, Henry Moore, Jim Dine, Yuriko Yamaguchi, Antonio López García.
What do you hear right now? Birds singing & chirping through the open windows (and a squirrel screaming like Homer Simpson)
What was the last gift you gave someone? A houseplant: pilea peperomioides
Favorite podcast? This is a triple tie: Kill Me Now with Judy Gold, Don't Ask Tig, and Smartless.
Any hidden talents? I'm a great organizer; give me your best-cluttered mess and I'll have it organized in no time making sure that it works and functions well for you.
Where did you grow up? I grew up right outside of New York City in Rockland County.
Favorite time of day? I'm a sucker for the warm light at the end of the day when the toasty glow hits the sides of buildings creating a fire-like blush; it gets me every time.
What is your most treasured possession? An accent table that belonged to my grandparents. My grandmother had me take it home the last time I saw her before she died. My grandfather made the marble top of the table. It's a physical reminder of my grandparents and fills me with gratitude and love.
Favorite thing to cook? There are many farms nearby. I love cooking with in-season local produce.
What are you currently watching? PAUSE with Sam Jay
